The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“Something else?” Her brows pinched. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand.”

“I just realized there’s so much I’ve always wanted to do and time’s running out, so I thought now might be a good time to experiment.”

“Hmm, that sounds kind of distracting, sweetheart. You have book club; that’s outside the box.”

Dear God, if she though book club was outside the box, I had no hope getting her on side for my new plan.

“It’s not exactly giving me major life experience though, Mom. I want to learn something new, try new things. Before I know it, college will be here, and I’ll have a full schedule of classes. I don’t want to leave high school with any regrets.”

“No, you’re rig

ht, you’re absolutely right.” Her bright smile gave me a smidgen of hope. “I bet if your father speaks to Killian at the bank he could help out or I could ask Mrs. Fenton if she has anything suitable.”

My bubble burst almost as quickly as it began inflating.

“Mrs. Fenton from the care home?” Disbelief filled my voice.

“That’s the one. I’m sure the residents would love to have a visit from you.”

“That wasn’t quite what I had in mind, Mom. I was thinking something more along the lines of working with… animals.”

“Animals?” she barely contained her surprise. “But why on earth would you want to work with animals?”

“Well, I did always want a pet, remember? And imagine how much fun it must be working with all cute little puppies and kittens.”

“Cute and dangerous, Felicity. And don’t even get me started on the allergies.”

“Mom, I don’t have allergies.”

“Because we raised you in a pet free environment.”

“I’m not sure it works that way.”

“It seems like an awful waste of your time when you could be getting real hands on experience in the workplace.”

She didn’t get it. She never had. Which is why I’d never veered from the plan. Their plan.

It was just easier that way. But now I’d considered a different plan, I couldn’t just switch it off. If my brief time with Jason had taught me anything, it was to go after what you wanted.

“I think it’ll be good for me,” I said defiantly, feeling something stir in my chest.

“I’m not sure I agree, sweetheart. And I can only imagine what your father will say; but if it’s something you really want to do,” she gave a resigned sigh, “then I suppose it would be okay, as long as we’ve checked out they have up to date health and safety policies.”

“Really?”

“You’ve worked hard for the last three years, Felicity. You deserve some downtime.”

It wasn’t exactly a gleaming endorsement, but I’d take it.

“Thanks, Mom, it means a lot to have your support.” Whether or not she’d feel the same if she knew the truth was another matter.

“Sweetheart, all I want is for you to be happy,” she reached over the counter, “you know that, right?”

I nodded over the lump in my throat. She wanted me to be happy... doing what had made her so happy. But I wanted more. I realized that now. I wanted to chase my own dreams even when they led me down the wrong path. I wanted to make mistakes and learn from them. I didn’t want to settle for average anymore; not when I could have amazing.

There was still one fatal flaw in my new plan—I wasn’t sure I would ever be brave enough to tell my parents.

Jason